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Chased with rocaille scrollwork, flowers and an engraved crest and coat of arms, the 39oz flagon was not in perfect condition – the lid hinge lacked its pin and the handle had been cut through and insulated. It was estimated at £2000-2500 and sold to the Irish trade at £7200 in the October 9 auction.

Most aspects, and ages, of silver collecting were covered at the auction and a 20th century take on water or wine pitchers was an elegant 1925-32 oviform example with angled spout by Georg Jensen after a design by Johan Rodhe. Weighing 14oz and standing 9¼in (23.5cm) tall, it went above estimate at £1800.

Among the earliest offerings were a c.1628 seal-top spoon by Jasper Radcliffe, Exeter, at £1900 and a 6¾in (17cm) wide scallop-shaped sweetmeat dish dated London 1631 at £1850, both selling comfortably above estimates.

Best of 14 vinaigrettes was one of Nathaniel Mills’ ‘castle-top’ pieces. Dated Birmingham 1843, the 2in (5cm) box featured a quite rare view in high relief of Christchurch College, Oxford.

With vacant shield cartouche and gilt interior, the vinaigrette was estimated at £1200-1500 and sold to a UK collector at £4400.